TENETS OF FAITH, DOCTRINE AND WHAT WE BELIEVE
Edison Street Community Church accepts the Holy Scriptures as the revealed Will of God, the sufficient rule of faith and practice, and for the purpose of maintaining general unity, adopts these statements of fundamental truths and doctrine.
The Scriptures Inspired
The Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, are the verbally inspired Word of God to humankind via the ministry of the Holy Spirit, revealing the will of God. It is the infallible, authoritative rule of faith and conduct for our journey through life. 2 Timothy 3:15-17; 1 Peter 1:23-25; Hebrews 4:12; Psalm 119:89; Matthew 5:19; Isaiah 40:8; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Peter1:21
The One True God
The one true God has revealed Himself as the eternally self-existent, self-revealing ‘I AM’, the Creator of heaven and earth and the Redeemer of mankind. He has further revealed Himself in three persons (the Trinity) embodying the principles of the relationship and associations as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, being co-equal . God the Father is greater than all, sender of the Word (logos). The Son of the Word in flesh, the only begotten who has existed with the Father from the beginning. The Holy Spirit is part of both the Father and The Son and is eternal. Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29; Isaiah 43:10-11; 1 Timothy 6:15-16; John 5:7; Matthew 28:19; Philippians 2:6; John 14:28; 16:28; 1:14; Luke 3:22; 1 Corinthians 8:6
The Ordinances of the Church
WATER BAPTISM
The ordinance of baptism by Immersion is commanded in the scriptures and is for believers only. All who repent and believe in Christ as savior and Lord are to be baptized. Thus they declare to the world that they also have been raised with Him in newness of life. Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16; Romans 6:3-5; Colossians 2:12; Acts 16:14-15; Acts 10:47-48
- Jesus was born of a virgin Matthew 1:23; Luke 1:35
- Jesus lived a sinless life Hebrews 7:26
- Jesus performed miracles Acts 2:22; 10:38
- Jesus was raised from the dead Matthew 28:6; Luke 24:39; 1 Corinthians 15:4
- Jesus now resides at the right hand of the Father Acts 1:9-11; 2:11; Philippians 2:9-11; Hebrews 1:3
THE LORD’S SUPPER (HOLY COMMUNION)
The Lord’s Supper, consisting of the elements of bread and fruit of the vine, are symbols for expression and sharing the divine nature of our Lord Jesus Christ. Our Lord instituted it, and we are to observe it until He comes again. The bread and the fruit of the vine are representations of the broken body and shed blood of Jesus Christ, and is a memorial of His suffering, death and prophecy of His second coming. 2 Peter 1:4
Baptism of the Holy Spirit
THE PROMISE OF THE FATHER
All believers are entitled to and should expect the promise of the Father at the point of salvation. This was the normal experience of all in the early Christian Church. With it comes the endowment of power for the life of service.
- The bestowment of the gifts and their uses for the work of ministry. Luke 24:49; Acts 8:12-17; 11:14-16; 15:7-9
- Experiences (overflowing fullness) John 7:37-39; Acts 4:8
- A deepened reverence for God Acts 2:43; Hebrews 12:28
- An intensified consecration to God and dedication to His work. Acts 2:42
- A more active love for Christ, His word and for the lost Mark 16:20
SANCTIFICATION
Sanctification is an act of separation from that which is evil, and of dedication unto God according to Romans 8:1-2; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 13:14. The believer, by recognizing his or her identification with Christ in His death and resurrection, by the reckoning daily upon the fact of that union and by yielding continually to the domination of the Holy Spirit, becomes more like Christ. Romans 6:1-11, 13; 8:1-2, 29; Galatians 2:20; Philippians 2:12-13; 1 Peter 1:5.
Divine Healing
We believe divine healing is an integral part of the gospel. Deliverance from sickness is provided for in the atonement and is the privilege of all believers; Christ came to set us free from the Law of sin and death, purchasing healing through atonement. Jesus words before He ascended into heaven were, “they shall lay hands on the sick and they will recover”. The practice, therefore of laying hands for healing is an active witness to our Lord’s power to heal. All believers have been given this privilege. Isaiah 53:4-5; Matthew 8:16-17; James 5:14-16; Galatians 3:13; 1 Peter 2:24; Matthew 8:16-17; Mark 16:15-20
Tithing
We believe and teach the giving of 10 percent of one’s income is an integral part of the Christian’s walk with the Lord. Abraham paid tithe before the Law was given. The New Testament affirms the paying of tithes. God’s blessings of prosperity are for those who tithe. Genesis 14:20; 28:22; Leviticus 27:30; 2 Chronicles 31:5; Malachi 23:23; Luke 11:42
The Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ
We believe that Jesus is eternally with the Father, and is the eternal Son of God. The Scriptures declares that He took upon Himself the form of man. Being born of a virgin, He lived a sinless life and gave His life on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins, purchasing our redemption with His blood, being raised on the third day from the dead, He ascended to the right hand of the Father.
- Jesus was born of a virgin Matthew 1:23; Luke 1:35
- Jesus lived a sinless life Hebrews 7:26
- Jesus performed miracles Acts 2:22; 10:38
- Jesus was raised from the dead Matthew 28:6; Luke 24:39; 1 Corinthians 15:4
- Jesus now resides at the right hand of the Father Acts 1:9-11; 2:11; Philippians 2:9-11; Hebrews 1:3
The Salvation of Man
Humankinds only hope of redemption is through the shed blood of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Salvation is a gift of God to humankind, is separate from the law, and is made operative by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
CONDITIONS OF SALVATION
- Salvation is received through repentance toward God and faith in God
- Salvation is thru the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit. Being justified by grace through faith, humankind becomes heir of God according to the hope of eternal life. Luke 4:47; Ephesians 2:8; Romans 10:13-15; Titus 2:12; 3:3-7
THE EVIDENCE OF SALVATION
- The inward evidence of salvation is the direct witness of the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:16
- The outward evidence of salvation to all people is a life of righteousness and true holiness. Ephesians 4:24; Titus 2:12
FAITH AND WORKS
- Salvation is by faith in Jesus Christ and not human works; however our works will determine the rewards in eternity. Romans 10:9; 2 Corinthians 5:10
Why Do We Pray With The Laying On Of Hands And Anointing Oil?
“They shall hands, on the sick and they shall recover.” Mark 16:18
“Is any sick among you? Let him call for elders of the church: and let them pray for them, anointing Him with oil in same of the Lord.” James 5:14
Why Do We Speak in Tongues?
“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit of all, to other diver’s kinds of tongues. 1 Corinthians 12:7, 14:5, 27, 39
The Way We Worship
WHY DO WE WORSHIP?
“Thou shall worship the Lord thy God and Him only shalt thou serve” Psalm 95:6; Matthew 4:10; Revelation 15:4
HOW SHOULD WE WORSHIP?
“God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” John 4:24; Psalm 96:9
WHY DO WE LIFT OUR HANDS?
“Lift your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the Lord” Psalm 143:2; 1 Timothy 2:8
WHY DO WE CLAP OUR HANDS?
“O Clap your hands all ye people, shout unto the God with voice of triumph” Psalm 47:1
WHY DO WE HAVE AN AUDIBLE PRAISE UNTO GOD?
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His Holy name” Psalm 103:3; Rev. 19:1-6
WHY ARE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS A PART OF THE WORSHIP SERVICE?
“Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp. Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs. Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals” Psalms 150:3-5
Why Do We Prophesy?
“But he that prophesies speaketh unto men edification and exhortation and comfort.” Corinthians 1:1; 14:3